John Michael Greer

John Michael Greer is an American author, druid, and former Grand Archdruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America (AODA). Born in 1962, he has written extensively on topics including peak oil, societal collapse, environmentalism, and various aspects of occult and spiritual practices. His work spans both practical and esoteric subjects, with notable books including "The Long Descent" and "The Druidry Handbook." Greer served as Grand Archdruid of AODA from 2003 to 2015, during which time he developed core educational materials for druidic studies and practice. As a conservative influenced by Edmund Burke and Oswald Spengler, Greer has written extensively about civilizational decline and ecological issues. His weekly blog "The Archdruid Report" (2006-2017) gained significant attention for its analysis of peak oil, environmental challenges, and the future of industrial society. Greer maintains active involvement in various esoteric traditions, including Freemasonry and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. In 2013, he founded the Druidical Order of the Golden Dawn, creating a unique synthesis of druidry and ceremonial magic.

Readers appreciate Greer's depth of research and ability to present complex occult and ecological concepts in accessible terms. Many note his practical, no-nonsense approach to spirituality and environmentalism. Positive comments focus on: - Clear writing style that breaks down difficult topics - Integration of history with modern applications - Detailed ritual instructions and exercises - Predictions about societal decline that readers say proved accurate Common criticisms include: - Repetitive content across multiple books - Dense, academic tone in some works - Political views that some readers find controversial - Can come across as dogmatic or inflexible Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Most books 3.8-4.2/5 Amazon: Typically 4.3-4.7/5 Reviews often note "The Druid Magic Handbook" and "The Long Descent" as standout works. "His books demand careful reading but reward the effort," notes one Amazon reviewer. Another states: "Sometimes gets bogged down in details but remains one of the clearest writers on practical magic."

Twilight's Last Gleaming - A geopolitical thriller depicting a near-future conflict between the United States and China over dwindling oil resources.

The Long Descent - An analysis of how industrial society will gradually decline as fossil fuels become scarcer.

The Druidry Handbook - A practical manual for modern druidic practice, covering meditation, rituals, and natural spirituality.

The Wealth of Nature - An examination of economics from an ecological perspective, addressing the limits of growth-based economics.

The Ecotechnic Future - A detailed exploration of how technology might evolve in a post-industrial world with limited energy resources.

The King in Orange - An analysis of the 2016 US presidential election through the lens of occult and magical traditions.

Green Wizardry - A practical guide to sustainable living skills and appropriate technology for the post-industrial age.

Mystery Teachings from the Living Earth - An introduction to ecological principles as they apply to spiritual practice.

The UFO Phenomenon - An examination of UFO encounters as folklore and social phenomenon rather than extraterrestrial visits.

The Celtic Golden Dawn - A complete system of magic based on Celtic mythology and Golden Dawn techniques.

Dark Age America - A projection of America's future decline based on historical patterns of civilizational collapse.

Not the Future We Ordered - An analysis of peak oil and its psychological impact on contemporary society.

William Catton wrote on ecological limits and societal collapse, with his book "Overshoot" examining how societies exceed their resource base. His analysis of human ecology and carrying capacity provides context for understanding civilizational decline.

Joseph Tainter explores why complex societies collapse through detailed historical analysis and systems thinking. His work "The Collapse of Complex Societies" examines energy economics and diminishing returns in civilizational systems.

Dion Fortune wrote foundational texts on Western esoteric traditions and magical practice that bridge ceremonial magic with psychology. Her books combine practical magical instruction with a systematic understanding of occult philosophy.

Lewis Mumford analyzed technology, urbanization, and civilizational development through a critical ecological lens. His works examine the relationship between human societies and their environmental contexts while critiquing industrial civilization.

Kenneth Grant developed innovative syntheses of Western ceremonial magic with other esoteric traditions. His work explores connections between different magical systems while providing practical frameworks for occult practice.